Mute - Revised (A Black Butler Fanfiction)

Chapter 4

I'm waiting on the porch with Lauren, the doorman and Dana's brother, for the Phantomhive carriage to pull up. Lauren's job is very dull. He just stands outside all day, opening and closing the doors for whoever. I'd come every so often just so he wouldn't feel lonely. He's a big, burly man with a thick beard and little black specs for eyes. He doesn't say much, so there is no need to fill the silence between us.

I'd just won a round of rock-paper-scissors when a small cloud of dust rose down the road. I pointed to it and Lauren stood at attention, waiting for the carriage to pull up. I hugged my father's jacket tighter around myself.

The carriage came to a stop at the foot of the front steps. The driver, a tall pale man with pitch black hair walked around to open the door of the carriage, and I see a glint of red as he turns. A boy that looked to be my age stepped out. He had a black cloak, navy hair and a cane in his hand. An eye-patch covered his right eye. I self-consciously tugged some hair in my face before remembering Grace and Henry and pushing it back behind my ear.

The boy walked up the steps as his butler grabbed their luggage. I wanted to help, but that wouldn't be exactly lady-like. The boy stopped in front of Lauren.

"Earl of Phantomhive," Lauren began in his deep voice. "Welcome to The Autumnvale Estate. This is the youngest daughter of The Autumnvale family, Mary-Clara Autumnvale."

I dip into a curtsy, a small smile dancing on my lips. So formal.

As I raise my head again, I catch his butler's eyes.

They're red.

One thought becomes a hundred. Was he born with eyes like that? Was he mocked and ridiculed as I am? And did this Earl look past that and see what this butler was really like? Can this Earl see past exteriors? Could he see past my persona and flaws?

"I am Ciel Phantomhive of the Phantomhive Estate," he says to me. "Pleasure to meet you Mary-Clara Autumnvale."

Impulsively, and without thinking, I sign MC to him.

A look of complete bewilderment overcomes him and feeling that can only be described as horrible realization jolts through me. Why did I just do that? Try to get him to refer to me in a nickname? Mother would think I was trying to get close to him. She might do something to Dahlia for something like that. I cannot afford another thoughtlessy friendly act like that again.

Ciel looks to Lauren for help but he's trying to suppress laughter.

His butler behind him seemed to understand what was going on. "It appears the young lady is mute. Neither of us understands sign language, so this will be a very interesting experience."

"Ah," Ciel frowns, saying it seemingly without thinking.

I gesture inside and let Lauren open the door for us, replying with a small smile. I lead them to the large staircase, stopping at the bottom.

Carlotta makes her grand entrance; gliding down the stairs in a beautiful emerald green dress that seems way too mature for her, careful to keep her balance in her crystal high heels. Her eyes find sees Ciel's and her face splits into a stunning beam. Completely ignoring me she rushes towards Ciel. I glance at him through the corner of my eye. He appears to be in shock; mouth agape and eye wide.

I look away.

"Earl of Phantomhive." Carlotta purred. "Welcome to the Autumnvale Mansion. I am Carlotta Autumnvale."

He got on one knee and kisses her hand. "An honor."

"I see you've already met my younger sister, Mary-Clara," Carlotta says, her tone icy. To him, it must have sounded amused but I can tell she was taunting me in a way I could never taunt back.

"Yes, she was waiting at the door with your doorman," he said, turning back to me. By the way he glanced between us, I could immediately tell he was comparing our features, probably wondering how on earth I'm related to her.

"At the door? Well yes, she does like to spend her free time with the butlers and maids." Carlotta sniffed. "A girl like her shouldn't be wasting her time doing such meaningless things."

I flinched, turning to look out the window.

"Well," she continued. "Let's go eat. I'm sure dinner is already on the table."

My eyes widen. What? But we don't usually have dinner until late! Henry won't be prepared yet! I have to give him more time.

I run in front of her, eyes wide, shaking my head and moving my hands in quick Xs.

"What are you doing?" Ciel asks from behind Carlotta.

I spin in a circle throwing my hands in the air, gesturing to everything.

"Oh! I have an idea!" Carlotta chirps, turning to Ciel. "Why don't I give you a tour of the mansion before dinner? It's so lovely, I know you'll enjoy it!" She grabs his hand, turning and pulling him into such a position his elbow is resting in the curve of her waist and hip. I look away, wondering how many times she'd practiced that move, and my eyes find the pile of luggage.

A maid rushes forward picking up a few suitcases. I bend down, picking up the rest. "Oh, thank you Mary-Clara. You're so thoughtful like that." She smiles, leading the way to the Phantomhive's temporary rooms.

I feel eyes burn the back of my head and I turn around only to see the room empty. Ciel and Carlotta are gone, off to tour the mansion.